Armed robbery reported at downtown Chico bank

Chico >> A man claiming to be armed reportedly robbed the Bank Of America in downtown Chico this afternoon.

At about 4:30 p.m., the Chico Police Department received an alarm of a possible bank robbery at 400 Broadway St., said Chico police Sgt. Rob Merrified. The suspect had allegedly fled from the bank by the time officers arrived.

The suspect, a white or Hispanic male about 30 to 40 years old, reportedly entered the bank and handed a teller a note, Merrifield said. It was not immediately known what was said in the note other than he was demanding money.

He reportedly also claimed to be armed with a gun, but no weapon was seen, Merrifield said.

The alleged suspect left the bank through a west door facing Salem Street, but there was no further information on his direction of travel.

At the time of the robbery, there were about five customers and five tellers inside, according to police.

Although no weapon was seen, police are assuming the suspect was armed because of his claims, he said.

The suspect was reportedly wearing a grey beanie, a long sleeve T-shirt and glasses.

There is no further information immediately available.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chico Police Department at 895-4911.